With Veishea’s fate up in the air, local law enforcement officials have expressed their support for ISU President Gregory Geoffroy’s decision, but warn further violence could permanently end the celebration.

Ames Police Cmdr. Jim Robinson said he is sad Veishea has been suspended but hopes in the long run, the cancelation will allow the prevention of future acts of violence. He said he believes the extra year is needed to study the problem and come up with new ways to handle it.

Jerry Stewart, director of the ISU Department of Public Safety, said he is disappointed with the decision to suspend Veishea, but feels it was necessary.

“We need time to explore what caused this and decide what can be done to foster a closer relationship between the university community and City of Ames,” Stewart said.

Stewart said the added time between celebrations will be used to prepare law enforcement for the possibility of further violence. However, Stewart said he hopes students will not look to violence as an answer to frustrations.

“We are confident the student body and all those affected want to move forward and focus on the positive and want to see a Veishea 2006. That would be in jeopardy if there were any further incidents,” Stewart said.

Robinson said he hopes students’ reactions to this decision will be peaceful, although they are prepared if it isn’t.

“Our department is prepared to ensure the safety of our community,” Robinson said.

Story County Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald said he supports Geoffroy’s decision although he always enjoys Veishea and feels it is an opportunity to showcase Iowa State.

“But the problems got out of hand, and it’s not the first time,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s nothing we ever dreaded. But we don’t like weathering it.”

Fitzgerald said he blames the mix of alcohol and large groups of people for the riot on April 18.

“The elements brew like a storm,” he said.

Stewart said there are factors determining what makes people act differently in large groups than they would in small groups.

“ISU has the resources to find these answers,” Stewart said.

Robinson said he hopes a Veishea Task Force announced Tuesday will have innovative ideas that could potentially help solve any problems that may come up in the future. He said he hopes to find a way to prevent large parties or keep them from getting out of hand.

“Any time there’s a potential for violence, it weighs on everyone in the community,” he said.